At this moment,
Zhao Feng remained lost in thought for a long time, unable to regain his composure.
The journey was silent.
However, the news of the Fengchan ceremony at Mount Tai, the proclamation of the Empress, and the designation of the Crown Prince spread rapidly.
Centered around Mount Tai, the news swiftly reached all corners of the Qin Empire.
The former capital of Qi, Linzi.
"Have you heard?"
"The Qin State's General Wu'an is the eldest son of the First Emperor and not just the eldest son, but the legitimate heir!"
"I heard about it long ago. No one could have imagined this. The renowned General Wu'an turns out to be the son of the First Emperor. And his mother was once the emperor's wife, who was forced to flee due to palace intrigues and ended up in exile."
"Now, General Wu'an is no longer General Wu'an he has been proclaimed Crown Prince of Great Qin. The First Emperor has already decreed that he will co-govern the country alongside him. The imperial edict has been announced across the realm. The future Second Emperor of Qin will undoubtedly be none other than General Wu'an."
"It's said that this General Wu'an started from a mere logistics officer and earned his rank step by step through military exploits. Who would have thought he had such a hidden identity?"
"The First Emperor has founded an everlasting legacy, ruling over all under heaven. With General Wu'an as his successor, the Qin Empire is bound to enter an even greater era of prosperity."
"Apparently…"
"The reason the First Emperor was able to reunite with Wu'an and his mother was that he recognized him the first time he came to Xianyang for military reporting. Since then, he has been secretly investigating the truth."
"Besides restoring General Wu'an's status as the legitimate eldest son and naming him Crown Prince, another significant event occurred during the bloodline verification ceremony, the clan minister in charge switched the water for the test in an attempt to prevent the father-son recognition. Fortunately, the First Emperor was wise and ordered the water to be drawn directly from Mount Tai's spring, with officials personally fetching it. Only then was the false accusation of impure lineage overturned."
"That clan minister, Ying Xi, has become the laughingstock of the empire."
"As the head of the clan affairs, one of the Nine Ministers, with such high status and power, he still dared to commit such an act."
"What a pity indeed."
…
Not only in Linzi but also in the many cities of the Qin Empire,
every tavern was buzzing with discussions about the imperial family and the new Crown Prince.
This news had completely spread.
Three Jin territories, Han lands.
Within a perilous forested hideout,
"Have you all received the news?"
"This news is unfavorable for us."
Dozens of men gathered. They wore simple coarse clothes, yet many bore the air of seasoned soldiers.
"The news has spread everywhere. How could we not have heard?"
"That Zhao Feng is the son of the First Emperor and has now been named Crown Prince."
"The First Emperor is already difficult to deal with, and Zhao Feng is an even more formidable warrior, commanding immense prestige within the Qin army. If the First Emperor dies and he ascends to the throne, the Qin Empire will not decline."
"Any hope of restoring our nations or avenging our ancestors will be completely lost."
Xiang Liang spoke with a grave expression.
"Zifang,"
"What should we do now?"
"We have already gone underground to develop our forces, yet the Qin army continues to hunt us down relentlessly. The First Emperor is already ruthless, and Zhao Feng's methods are even crueler. Now that he is Crown Prince and the future ruler of Qin, our days will only become more unbearable."
"Forget about restoration we'll be lucky just to stay alive."
"Indeed."
"What should we do?"
"That Zhao Feng is ruthless. My clan of three hundred was slaughtered by him, half dead, the other half enslaved."
"If he becomes emperor, we are doomed…"
Each of the remnants of the Six Kingdoms spoke with fear in their voices.
Zhao Feng held a significant and terrifying place in their minds.
They feared him deeply.
"Zhao Feng…"
"He is indeed formidable."
"If he becomes emperor, we will never rise again." Zhang Liang said heavily.
"Then what should we do?"
Everyone turned to Zhang Liang.
"But what if he dies?"
"Then everything would be different." Zhang Liang said coldly.
"He is now the Crown Prince of Qin, co-ruling with Ying Zheng. How can we kill him?"
Xiang Liang was puzzled.
"Zhao Feng…"
"We are not the only ones who want him dead. Many in Qin's court also want him gone."
"And now that he has been named Crown Prince, do you think the other sons of Ying Zheng will accept this?" Zhang Liang smirked, a plan forming in his mind.
"Zifang, you mean to ally with the other princes and find an opportunity to kill Zhao Feng?" Xiang Liang's eyes lit up.
"If Zhao Feng lives, restoration and revenge are impossible."
"Therefore, we must do everything to kill Zhao Feng."
Zhang Liang said coldly.
"But even so…"
"Killing Zhao Feng is difficult."
"His guards are Qin's most elite battle-hardened warriors. His residence is impenetrable. We have sent countless assassins, but they are discovered the moment they approach the Zhao Mansion. Even infiltrators are exposed within days and executed."
"Even inside the royal palace, we have spies, yet Zhao Feng's estate is impossible to infiltrate."
"How can we kill him?" Xiang Liang asked, frustrated.
"Do not worry, Xiang Brother."
"This time, we must provoke those in Xianyang who wish for Zhao Feng's death, not act ourselves."
"If we reveal ourselves, we are signing our death warrants."
"Our priority remains to build our strength. Only by doing so can we hope to restore our nations." Zhang Liang said calmly.
"Let's hope those in Xianyang who hate Zhao Feng will do the job for us."
"Otherwise, we may be doomed to hide in these dark forests forever." The remnants of the Six Kingdoms spoke with heavy concern.
.....
Xianyang!
The imperial procession returning from the Mount Tai Fengshan ceremony!
Inside and outside the city, the capital's troops guarded the way.
Countless citizens of Xianyang, filled with excitement, eagerly awaited their arrival.
When Emperor Ying Zheng's imperial carriage appeared, followed closely by Zhao Feng's carriage, the entire city erupted in cheers:
"Welcome back, His Majesty, the First Emperor!"
"Welcome back, the Empress!"
"Welcome back, the Crown Prince!"
Three distinct cheers echoed across Xianyang, shaking the skies.
At this moment, the voices of the people revealed their deep excitement.
Particularly when they shouted for the Crown Prince, their tone carried immense respect and admiration.
"Halt."
At the sound of Ying Zheng's command, the imperial carriages came to a stop.
The imperial guards swiftly gathered around, ensuring security.
Then, Ying Zheng stepped out, holding Xia Dong'er's hand, descending gracefully from the imperial carriage.
"People of Great Qin, you may rise."
Ying Zheng raised his hands and spoke in a deep voice.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress!"
The citizens responded in unison, bowing in gratitude.
As they stood, their gazes turned to the imperial carriage.
Seeing the woman beside Ying Zheng, they immediately recognized her as their Empress.
However, they did not yet see the figure of the Crown Prince.
Ying Zheng's voice resounded:
"As per my decree and as you all have witnessed Great Qin now has an Empress and a Crown Prince."
The people cheered again:
"Congratulations to His Majesty for finding the Empress!"
"Congratulations to His Majesty for finding the Crown Prince and the Princess!"
The cheers rang across the capital.
"Indeed!"
"The Crown Prince was once our mighty General Wu'an, known for his unparalleled military prowess. With His Highness as the Crown Prince, our Great Qin will surely flourish even more!"
"We wholeheartedly support His Highness as the Crown Prince."
"With His Highness as the Crown Prince, Great Qin is truly blessed!"
The enthusiasm of the people grew stronger, their admiration for Zhao Feng overflowing.
Inside the carriage, Zhao Feng listened to the deafening voices of the people.
His normally calm expression showed a hint of emotion.
"I have become the Crown Prince, and the people of Qin accept me so wholeheartedly?" Zhao Feng thought, deeply moved.
The sincerity in their voices was unmistakable.
The people of Qin, originating from the Western frontiers, valued strength and bravery.
Zhao Feng had earned his status through countless battles and victories, proving his capabilities to the entire world.
How could the people not respect and admire such a Crown Prince?
"Husband."
"This is the prestige you hold in Great Qin."
"With you as Crown Prince, the people of Qin are at peace."
Wang Yan said softly, her eyes filled with warmth.
Outside, Ying Zheng's voice called out:
"Feng'er."
"Do you hear the voices of our people?"
"Will you not step out and meet them?"
Hearing this, Zhao Feng slowly stood up and stepped out of the carriage.
The moment his figure appeared, countless citizens of Xianyang erupted in cheers:
"Greetings to His Highness, the Crown Prince!"
The air trembled with their shouts.
Zhao Feng stood tall and spoke with a solemn expression:
"People of Great Qin, to receive such respect and support from you is my greatest fortune."
"As a royal descendant of Qin, as the son of the Empress, and now as the Crown Prince by decree"
"My duty is clear: To strengthen Great Qin, to fortify our civilization, to ensure stability, and to rule with virtue."
"To put it simply, I have but one belief"
'To establish a heart for Heaven and Earth, to uphold life for the people, to continue the wisdom of the past sages, and to bring peace to all generations.'"
The moment these words left his lips
It was as if heaven itself responded.
A sudden thunderclap roared in the sky, shaking the heavens and the earth.
Astonishingly, the entire city of Xianyang fell into stunned silence.
Even though many among the crowd were illiterate, even though some were mere warriors or women unfamiliar with governance
These words struck deep into their souls.
"To establish a heart for Heaven and Earth, to uphold life for the people, to continue the wisdom of the past sages, and to bring peace to all generations!"
Ying Zheng stared at Zhao Feng in shock, clearly not expecting such words from him.
Not just him
The ministers and officials of Great Qin standing behind him were all visibly shaken.
"These words…"
"Did His Highness truly say them?"
"Not overly complex, yet they hold the very essence of governing the world."
"The world knows His Highness as a brilliant general, but few realized he also possesses such wisdom in state affairs."
"Indeed, His Highness is worthy of Great Qin! With him, our nation's future is boundless."
"With His Highness as the Crown Prince, Great Qin is truly blessed!"
At this moment
It wasn't just the common folk who were astonished; the entire court was just as shaken.
"Elder Brother…"
"To be able to say such earth-shattering words…"
"Perhaps, his appointment as Crown Prince truly is a blessing for Great Qin."
Fusu's eyes flickered with a trace of admiration before settling into deep respect.
"Hmph!"
"Enjoy your moment of glory."
Hu Hai scoffed coldly, his tone filled with jealousy.
History had recorded him as a weak and incompetent ruler one who murdered his own brothers and sisters. But while he lacked ability, his ambition was boundless.
After a brief moment of silence in Xianyang
"Long live the Crown Prince!"
"Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Crown Prince!"
"Long live the Emperor!"
…
Countless citizens chanted fervently.
To them, in those few words, they had heard the promise of a future a future where a wise ruler would lead Great Qin to even greater heights.
Under the resounding cheers of the people, the imperial carriages proceeded toward the palace.
Zhangtai Palace
The banquet had already been set.
No ministers, no court officials only Ying Zheng, his wife, and Zhao Feng's entire family.
Even Zhao Feng's many concubines and children had been invited.
Ying Zheng and Xia Dong'er sat at the head of the table, with Zhao Feng and Zhao Ying sitting opposite each other.
The wives, concubines, and children sat further down.
The Zhangtai Palace was filled with laughter and lively conversation a rare moment of familial joy.
"Tonight, no serious discussions."
"Eat well, drink well."
"We are finally together as a family."
Ying Zheng smiled as he spoke.
Then, his gaze turned to Zhao Feng.
"Feng'er."
"I know that learning I am your father has been a shock to you."
"But blood ties cannot be changed."
"You don't need to overthink things just know that I am your father, and one day, Great Qin will be yours."
"This is not just a father's promise to his son; it is a promise from an emperor to his successor."
Ying Zheng's voice was solemn and sincere.
Hearing these words
Seeing the firm promise in his father's eyes
Zhao Feng chuckled, then replied:
"For the First Emperor to make such a commitment to me this has never happened in history!"
"Since that is the case, I accept."
"However, First Emperor have you truly thought this through?"
"Once I fully embrace my role as Crown Prince, I will begin reshaping Great Qin, and no one will be able to stop me."
"If, in the future, you change your mind I won't sit idly by."
Though spoken in a playful tone, Zhao Feng's words carried an undeniable weight.
He had grown too strong.
And he was not someone who would blindly submit to another's whims.
If he was going to dedicate himself to reshaping Great Qin, and Ying Zheng later had a change of heart, Zhao Feng would not hesitate to act.
At this, Ying Zheng let out a hearty laugh.
"If I ever change my mind"
"Then do what you must."
"You need not hold back against me."
To reassure Zhao Feng, he made this declaration without hesitation.
"Good!"
At this point, Zhao Feng had nothing left to say.
For Ying Zheng the First Emperor, a ruler who had unified China to say such words was proof of his complete trust and commitment.
Not just as a father, but as a ruler recognizing his heir.
Since that was the case
This position as Crown Prince he would take it.
"Very well."
"I will accept the role of Crown Prince."
"But know this"
"There is a chance that Great Qin will collapse in my hands."
"What I plan to do has never been done before by any emperor in history."
Zhao Feng's voice carried a weight unlike before.
A deep, unwavering determination.
Ying Zheng did not waver.
"On Mount Tai, before the entire court, I made it clear."
"You will govern alongside me."
"That was no empty promise whatever changes you wish to make, I will fully support them."
His voice was steady, absolute.
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 375+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader